Legal > I am trying to move out of an antique store, where I pay a ... >

I am trying to move out of an antique store, where I pay a certain amount to be there, monthly no lease was signed, but now the owner won't let me get my goods outof the store. several of my friends are having the same problem every time we make an appt to remove our things, she cancels or won't let us in, then she lies and says we are stealing, and changes the tags on our product to reflect that it is hers, not ours. we are wondering what our legal rights are to remove what is our merchandise,and be paid for what is on lay-a-way.

Optional Information:
Marietta, Georgia

Already Tried:
walking in and picking up a few things, which would be normal in any other antique store, but you cannot leave on a good note, they make it impossible for you to get your things. My friends have tried to do it the above board way, telling her you want to move out, and asking her when would be a good time? she schedules a time then cancels on and on then if you come in she threatens to call the police on you. for no reason

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

I would go in and begin removing my articles. Before I moved the first item, I would take several photographs with my digital camera of everything I have in the store. Don't go alone, bring at least one impartial witness. If the owner objects and threatens to contact the police, invite the owner to do so and let the police come. Explain your problem to the police, ideally with other vendors attempting to do the same thing. EXPECT the police to tell you that you cannot remove your stuff without a court order as they won't know what to do. This is ok, we want proof that you tried to lawfully remove your items, even if the owner denies our access. If we are denied and the police won't help, file a small claims action for "replevin" of all your goods located in the store. It would be nice if several owners all filed at the same time to show the judge the pattern of stealing that this owner is committing.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

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